How I Went From Couch Potato to Fit and Lost 115lbs in The Process

This post is by OYS writer Alexis from Trading Cardio for Cosmos. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram sharing her awesome weight loss tips and motivation!! She’s lost over 100lbs so she has lots to share!

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When I started my weight loss journey I was 280lbs. That’s right, 280lbs on my 5’7″ frame. That made me Category 3 or “Morbidly Obese” and at a much higher likelihood to die of diabetes, heart disease or weight-related illnesses. I would sweat any time the temperature got above 70, and I would get winded going up the stairs in my apartment.

I had been an accomplished athlete when I was a teenager. Soccer, basketball, track – I played sports constantly. But when I got to college I gained a “Freshman 40” and my issues with my weight spiraled out from there.

When I started losing weight I focused entirely on the food and on eating more healthy options, more sensible portions and getting my emotional eating under control.

I waited 6 weeks before starting to slowly, verrrrrrry slowly add in exercise. You see, I had a theory that if I went and exercised as if I was still 17, I knew I would be disappointed and beat myself up about my lack of fitness. I also knew there was a strong chance I would hurt myself and render myself unable to exercise, which was also a bad thing.

So the first few weeks I went to the gym in long pants, a shirt, a hoodie and tried to pretend like I belonged there by taking the very last bike in the back of the gym. I was convinced everyone was staring at me and I just tried to tune them out with some Lady Gaga blaring through my headphones.

I started bike riding at a moderate pace for about a half hour. Then slowly every few days I would increase the incline, intensity or my speed. Little by little I would add a new twist that would keep me progressing forward.

Then I added a 1-mile, twenty minute walk on the treadmill. Once I felt like I was going fast enough there I moved on to the elliptical. And there friends, I fell in love. 

For me, the elliptical is low-impact on my hips and knees, I’m able to go at my own pace and there are TONS of different paths, intensities and workouts, so it never gets boring.

Now I’ve worked my way up to running on the elliptical for 45 minutes, usually around an 8.0 on Level 7 and I do interval hills. Pretty far cry from the girl who couldn’t do a flight of stairs without getting out of breathe, huh?

Here are the most common questions I get about exercise and my weight loss journey:

Didn’t you feel like everyone was staring at you when you first started? How did you get over that?

I definitely did, and I had to remember, “Hey, everyone starts somewhere!” The meatheads are meatheads and I ignore them, but there are old people, young people, thin people, heavy people and everyone is in there trying to make their bodies healthier and their lives better. I get inspired by seeing those around me as they’re just starting out, accomplishing a milestone or just leave happy they did something good for their health.

Doesn’t the same workout get boring?

It absolutely does, which is why a diversified workout schedule is key! I lift weights 2 days per week, I bike ten miles 2 days per week and I usually do a big cardio workout 2 days per week.

When I get bored I’ll switch it up and do a 5k, take a Zumba class, join a bootcamp class – anything to break up the routine.

What do you do when you travel?

Whenever I travel for work I look for a fun fitness activity or class in that city. I’ve done Soul Cycle, Aqua Tabata, Zumba, Beach Yoga – you name it!

I also walk everywhere I can (and that is safe) while I travel, which can lend itself to a workout in a pinch.

My friend lost -50lbs and never had to exercise. Why should I bother?

First, good for your friend! -50lbs is a lot!

Second, you can definitely lose weight without working out, but why would you want to? Working out creates a more evenly distributed weight loss, helps your body tone your muscles and actually helps reduce excess skin and stretch marks. True story. 

Also, there is a secret bonus to working out: endorphins! Roughly 1/2 hour into any workout I am FLOODED with happy endorphins that make me sing, dance and sometimes shake my butt a little. When I am stressed and just want to eat or drink too much I try to get a workout done because it’s good for me, it keeps me from eating and it almost always makes me feel better. It’s the best anti-depressant going, and it’s free!

Do you really trade cardio for cosmos?

I really, truly do. I believe that you can’t outrun your fork (or your cosmo glass) so all exercise is best paired with a healthy diet. But, I believe that when you really exercise and work hard you earn treats like cosmos, dessert or French fries, and I hold myself to that. I try not to overindulge if I haven’t gotten my workout done that day. It’s my own system of checks and balances.

What do you think? What’s your exercise routine like and how does it help your weight loss journey?

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